A well-known British retailer has launched a divorce gift registry. Stock up now for your separating friends and family!

"With so many couples now living together before they marry, the wedding gift list concept is now regarded as more of an upgrade service, rather than stocking up the first home with the basics," said Peter Moore, head of retail services at Debenhams.

"However, a divorce means that one partner will be leaving their marital home and therefore be left without any essentials in their new house."

Items the store expects to be popular choices among divorcees include cookware, cutlery, crockery, glasses, bedlinen, towels and small electrical goods such as toasters and microwaves, as well as non-iron shirts, large plasma screen TVs and computer games.